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Affiliate marking is becoming one of the most popular home based businesses in the United States. Some people dedicate their entire time to affiliate marketing, while others take this opportunity as an avenue for extra income. Affiliate business does not cost much to start so basically there is very little risk involved in becoming an affiliate.

What are the practical things to do in order to start your own affiliate businesses?

First of all you will need a website. To begin with you do not really need to own your personal website. You can start a free blog at Blogger or Wordpress. Not all affiliate programs require a web site in order for you to join. But most major affiliate networks do and the affiliate IDs from these networks are generally associated with your website. Down the road you will learn that it is good idea to have different websites dedicated to particular advertisers and even to particular products and services. But to begin with, you need only one web site. If you will be starting an affiliate business with a single website, it is good idea to create a website with your profile as an affiliate in it. Many advertisers will check your website before they let you into their program.
Second step is to join some of the major affiliate networks. While there are many companies that offer affiliate program independently, joining networks like Commission Junction or Link Share has its benefits. You can choose from hundreds of leading companies, in fact you can actually actively promote products for hundred different companies at the same time. It is much easier to track your advertising efforts if you join affiliate network. All the data is aggregated, and you can see sales and payments from a single account. It is not to say that independent affiliate programs are bad, in fact there are many good companies that offer affiliate programs via network and independently at the same time.

After you join an affiliate program, start creating websites and promote the products and services, and get paid in return. While this sounds easy, in reality it requires much of dedication and hard work. This you can learn from people who have written about affiliate marketing, but be aware that some 'gurus' of affiliate marketing may be just looking to get you money but give you nothing in return.

How to determine good resource on Affiliate Marketing?

First of all you need to stay away from products and services that "promise" to make you "rich" overnight or promise to set you with a "magic" flow of cash. You will be better off to take a trip to Las Vegas and spend your money there, your odds to hit a jack pot there are much higher then becoming rich overnight with these programs and e-books.

There are some very good e-books, websites and blog on affiliate marketing. Good affiliate marketers will tell you that you need to dedicate time and effort in order to succeed. If they offer you anything for money make sure if their reputation, achievements and expertise are verifiable by third parties. Take a closer look at their blogs and websites to see how dedicated they are to protect your privacy. Many times good author will offer you a money back guarantee with no question asked.